… I apologize for not posting on the Predators game. Finals came first and now I’m done. I don’t have much to say about the game, though, except that the Wings were fortunate they had a fresh Chris Osgood in net, as they totally ran out of gas and barely weathered the storm.

Also, I think Dan Hamhuis should be added to the Enemies of Hockeytown list. Why? BecauseÂ he tried to take out Nick Lidstrom’s knee from behind when he came out of the penalty box late in the second period. That’s pure bush league.

… Speaking of knees, Tomas Holmstrom evidently hurt his against Carolina onÂ Sunday and missed practice today after playing through pain in Nashville. It’s all but certain he won’t play tomorrow against Edmonton. Apparently, he has not undergone any tests and does not know how he injured it.Â The team has called up Mark Hartigan to take up the vacant spot on the roster.

Losing Homer is a big deal, but it could be worse. It may even turn out to be a positive of sorts, as Mikael Samuelsson skated with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg in practice today. Although Babcock wouldn’t commit to that unit for the Edmonton game, it’s possible he’ll stick with it. If anyone on this team needs the boost the Eurotwins can provide, it’s Samuelsson. He doesn’t have a goal in nine games (1G on November 21st vs. St. Louis) and only has two points over that span.

…Â The remaining practice lines:

Hudler-Filppula-Kopecky
Cleary-Franzen-Drake
Draper-Ellis-Downey

… Red Wings TV has a post-practice interview with Mike Babcock here.Â You may find his his pronunciation of “Filppula” humorous.

… Bruce MacLeod reports that Domink Hasek will start tomorrow, which is in keeping with the official goalie rotation policy for the month.

… According to Ansar Khan, Kris Draper practiced with the team today for the first time since he went down with his knee injury (November 227th). He’s not due back for another two weeks or so. Red Wings TV has a post-practice interview with Drapes, as well.

… Kirk Maltby has not skated since his back became inflamed, though he has beenÂ told he does not have any major injury and has been given a shot to reduce the swelling. I’ll believe it’s a minor thing when he’s back in the lineup.